Gospel Superstar Kirk Franklin Annouces Fall Tour

Seven-time Grammy-winning Contemporary Gospel superstar, host of BET’s Sunday Bestand author of The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms,Kirk Franklin will embark on his ground-breaking nationwide Fearless Tour, visiting fifteen states in four weeks.

The tour kicks off on November 1, 2011 (see full listing of tour dates & cities below)and will feature special guests Isaac Carree, BET Sunday Best winner Amber Bullock and Verity Recording artists Deon Kipping and Jason Nelson. Franklin will be touring in support of his 12th and latest CD masterpiece, Hello Fear – featuring the chart-topping single “I Smile.”

Following his inspiring surprise performance on the recent American Idol Finale and a number of high profile appearances, including Late Night w/Jimmy Fallon & The Mo’Nique Show, Franklin’s single, “I Smile” spent 23 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Songs chart and is currently holding strong at #2. The song is #3 on the Urban AC chart. The album, Hello Fear, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel sales chart and #5 on the Billboard Top-200 is a continuation and reflection of the living legend’s sixteen year music career.

Franklin is especially passionate about performing songs from the Hello Fear project, as the specific message of facing our deep fears in this current economic situation and times of uncertainty in this life, have a deeper impact than ever before. His own life experiences, revelations and lessons learned bring him new motivation and inspiration to let these messages be heard.

Franklin is once again partnering with the American Heart Association’s “Power to End Stroke” campaign to increase awareness and to educate the African American community about their risk of stroke — the third leading cause of death of all Americans and a leading cause of long-term disability among African Americans. Franklin will use his voice to help his fans understand that stroke is largely preventable by watching your diet, getting regular exercise and not smoking. He also will share the importance of knowing your individual risk factors, such as family history, high blood pressure or diabetes, as well as working with health care providers to manage risk.

Through dynamic performances and show-stopping moments, the Fearless Tour will give fans a chance to hear Kirk Franklin’s music as they never have before, yet still experience the creativity and high-energy that fans have come to expect from his powerful performances. Audiences will hear music from Hello Fear, which will include new songs with deep personal meaning to Franklin, as well as those that have made Franklin one of the greatest performers of our time. The tour will introduce Kirk’s fans to an eclectic and all-points-reaching approach to music ministry, with performances that span the musical styles of gospel, soul, hip hop, pop and beyond.

“I have learned so much. I want to take those lessons as well as my own experiences as a man who grew up with one foot in the church and one foot in the streets, and use that to connect with this generation.” Franklin aims to share these lessons with young, urban audiences while on the Fearless Tour.